National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
Authorities have arrested the organisers of a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede on Wednesday led to multiple casualties at Islamic High School, Basorun.
Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the arrest in a statement shared on his official X handle, revealing that investigations are ongoing to uncover the cause of the tragic incident.
Makinde expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, saying, “Earlier today, an incident occurred in Islamic High School Basorun, the venue of an event organised for families. Sadly, a stampede at the venue has led to multiple loss of lives and injuries. This is a very sad day for us here in Oyo State. We sympathise with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths.”
He also noted that immediate measures had been taken to prevent further fatalities. “We have taken steps to ensure no further deaths are recorded at this venue by deploying security agents to restore order at the venue. We also deployed medical personnel and ambulances to the venue. The event has been stopped, and attendees have been escorted out of the venue. We are taking all realistic measures to ensure that the venue is secured,” the governor stated.
Makinde assured residents that those responsible would be held accountable, adding, “While investigations are ongoing, the primary organisers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody. I want to reassure our people that anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable. Please remain calm as the security agencies investigate this unfortunate incident.”
He concluded by offering prayers for the victims, saying, “Our hearts remain with the families and loved ones impacted by this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. Amen.”
The funfair, which tragically ended in the stampede, was organised by Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, in collaboration with Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat.
A post on Agidigbo FM’s Facebook page on Tuesday had announced the event, highlighting that Queen Naomi, founder of Women In Need Of Guidance and Support (WINGS), planned to host 5,000 children aged 0-13 at the Islamic High School venue. The announcement assured parents of adequate security and promised exciting prizes such as scholarships for participants.
The tragic outcome of the funfair has left the community in mourning, with calls for accountability and enhanced safety measures for future public events
